Bodysurfing in Santa Barbara

(PC: Surfline)

Just two hours north of the bustle of Los Angeles sits the coastal city of Santa Barbara, CA.  Its Spanish-style rooftops, laid-back atmosphere and year-round temperate climate make for a little slice of central coast surfing and bodysurfing paradise.

Amidst the multi-million dollar estates and four-star resorts are multiple breaks that, while often fickle and tame, are an absolute charm when firing.

During the winter months, swells roar across the Pacific Ocean and filter into the Santa Barbara Channel. These long-period swells bring Santa Barbara’s beautiful point breaks to life.

From November to March bodysurfers are treated to glassy conditions and waves that rival some of the best on earth. These waves, including Sandspit and Rincon to the south and The Ranch and Jalama to the north, make up the best surf spots in Santa Barbara.

Although the summers are typically flat in Santa Barbara, waves can still be found during windswells at Leadbetter, Mesa Lane, and Sands in Isla Vista.

If you head out to Isla Vista (IV) for a surf, don’t forget to stop by Freebirds and treat yourself to the quintessential surf/bodysurf food that is the Freebirds burrito.